Education

Education

By raising awareness in the United States about the living conditions of the poor in garbage dump communities in the developing world through outreach and service immersion trips, International Samaritan provides residents in these garbage dump communities with basic needs, like sanitation, health care, and education.

International Samaritan supports educational programs in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti, serving more than 1,500 children daily. Once destined to spend all their lives scavenging in the dump, these most vulnerable children now have the tools to escape the chains of poverty.

In Guatemala, we are currently building a secondary school, where students will have a work/internship opportunity that will complement the education provided by International Samaritan schools. This is based on the Jesuit Cristo Rey model of schools.

Cristo Rey schools utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance, and counseling to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for higher education. All students at Cristo Rey schools participate in a work-study program through which they finance the majority of the cost of their education, gain real-world job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of their education.

Francisco Coll School in Guatemala City:

Located at the Guatemala City garbage dump, the Francisco Coll School provides quality education and nutritious food to more than 300 children in grades 1-6.

Step by Step Program (Paso a Paso):

In a country where graduating the 6th grade is a major accomplishment, Step by Step gives Coll School alumni the opportunity to pursue an education beyond that level.

Santa Maria Basico School in Guatemala City:

Offers students from the Coll School and the garbage area academic classes for grades 7-9 and in the trades to give students marketable skills for future employment.

International Samaritan School San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Serving 500 students in grades 1-6 and providing them with nutrition and a quality education.

Colegio Nuevo Paraiso, Moraceli, Honduras:

Severely damaged in 1998 by the devastating winds of Hurricane Mitch, an International Samaritan grant rebuilt this school which serves more than 250 students and includes vocational training in grades 7-9.

Santa Ana Youth Center, Santa Ana, El Salvador:

This school serves 400 children age 6-16 keeping them free from the violence and dangers of the dump and provides them academic enrichment and a fine arts program.

Colegio San Antonio Claret II, Guatemala City:

International Samaritan grants have helped this school serve more than 250 children living in extreme poverty.

Jose Artigas Center of Education, Ciudad Sandino:

Providing free public education to more than 2,000 children grades pre-K to 10, and adults, we teach math and English and provide the classrooms, bathrooms, and play areas of the school with additional support.

If you would like to be a part of these exciting new projects, please contact I.S. President Oscar Dussán at 734-222-0701